This Summer

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

I slipped on my slippers and headed back downstairs, feeling a little bit picked up after the events which had just taken place I was ready to face whoever was still downstairs. The living area was empty but the rustling movements in my kitchen showed I still wasn’t alone. I walked through the open archway to find Max going through cupboard after cupboard.

“Hey Shaw.” He said throwing me a cheeky smile.

“Can I ask why you’re acting like a racoon in my kitchen?”

Max chuckled “Racoons, sneaky, cunning and just lovable rouges. I suppose I am like a racoon.”

I rolled my eyes. “So you have rabies?”

“What can I say not all of us racoons are lucky chaps.”

I laughed. “So what are you doing?”

“Well we’re all watching a movie and I was wondering if you have any alcohol and maybe some popcorn.”

“Glad you’ve made yourself at home. Well we do have alcohol but it’s in my Dad’s fridge in his office which is kind of out of bounds and popcorn should be in the top cupboard next to the fridge.”

“So there’s no chance of us getting into your Dad’s office?” Max asked grabbing the popcorn.

“Now you’re just pushing it.”  I said folding my arms.

“What Daddy doesn’t know won’t kill him.”

“Okay fine.”

Max followed me out of the kitchen and into the library.

“Why are we in the library?”

I smiled. “Let’s just say my Dad has been inspired by many movies.”

I pushed the left hand side of the bookshelf and it half spun around revealing the step down into my Dad’s office. Max’s face lit up when I looked at him but I saw his smile falter soon after.

“What?”

He didn’t reply. I turned around to face my Dad.

“Dad.”

“Shawna.”

“I thought you were on a business trip.”

“Thought I would return early you know pay you all a visit?” He replied in monotone taking a sip from his scotch. “To find you had all spent a weekend down at the beach house.”

“Dad I can explain-“

I was silenced when he waved his scotch. “I’m going to Milan in an hour I’ll be back in two days in time for Ashley’s wedding.”

“Okay.”

My Dad looked around me and smiled. “Maximillian it’s been a long time, how’s your Father?”

“Hello Mr Brown he’s doing fine.”

“And the family business?”

“Still going fine.”

“Good man. I suppose your brothers sent you and my daughter to get some alcoholic beverages.”

“Well...”

“Don’t lie, here I have some bottles of Budweiser, they’re for the older ones only I don’t want to see you with one at any time.”

“Yes sir.”

“Well I’ll see you later Maximillain and Shawna.” My Dad made his way towards me “Take care pumpkin.” He ruffled my hair and walked out of his office, and I can honestly say that’s the first time my Dad has ever shown the smallest piece of love to me since I was small.